This is true, but VDL has pulled an enormous amount of power to herself (not to the Commission - to herself) and when it comes to these matters (the US trade 'deal' is another good example) she has a lot of influence even if she operates under a Council mandate. I am not sure how big her influence is in the Council, she's a member but without voting rights.

Most of our national leaders are letting us down again and again, indeed.

I strongly believe in the ideas and ideals in the EU, I just wish our leaders did as well.